STRONG levels of support for the proposed upgrades to Wendouree Railway Station have been received by the City of Ballarat.<\/p>\n
In particular they have come from residents to the south of the station and land owners in the area interested in redevelopment opportunities for their land.<\/p>\n
However, Council is still keen to hear from the community before this round of consultation ends on Friday, 5 April.<\/p>\n
The draft master plan is based on discussions and feedback undertaken early in 2018 when 129 submissions were received by Council.<\/p>\n
The upgraded Wendouree Station will include a second platform, additional track and a new accessible pedestrian overpass linking the two platforms.<\/p>\n
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the feedback from the community emphasised that reliability of train services was of utmost importance for Ballarat passengers.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocals were delighted when we extended services to Wendouree in 2009 and they\u2019re equally happy that a second platform is planned for the extra services the government is providing,\u201d Ms Addison said.<\/p>\n
The upgrade of the Wendouree Station Precinct is a key project in the Ballarat Strategy.<\/p>\n
The aim of the strategy is to ensure most of Ballarat\u2019s residents can access key services, employment and transport within 10 minutes of where they live.<\/p>\n
Ms Addison said she is blown away by the plans for Wendouree Station.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure all local commuters will embrace the improvements planned by the government,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe construction of a second platform at Wendouree is the next step as we grow and improve train services from Wendouree and Ballarat through to Melbourne.\u201d<\/p>\n
Congestion around Wendouree Station has been identified as a key issue.<\/p>\n
The draft master plan proposes direct access from Gregory Street West and Gillies Street North and an improved entrance from Learmonth road which will significantly improve access.<\/p>\n
Two additional car parks on the southern side of the station are a possibility although detailed design has not commenced yet.<\/p>\n
Council is encouraging not just the community but also Wendouree businesses and station users to have their say before it is too late.<\/p>\n
The government has consulted council and the wider community on the need for improved facilities at Wendouree Railway Station.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will always work constructively with council on projects where a project has widespread community support, like this one,\u201d Ms Addison said.<\/p>\n
While public transport funding is a state government issue, the municipality will continue to push for support to realise the master plan\u2019s vision, including the proposed public realm improvements.<\/p>\n